ONSA Funds: EFCC finally detains Ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has finally detained the former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.
The anti-graft Agency is questioning Fayose, over the ongoing probe of the alleged diversion N4.685 billion, by the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.
The ex-Governor, is being grilled over the N1.3 billion and $5.377 million, allegedly traced to him from the N4.6 billion slush funds.
Recall, that the ex-Governor, on Tuesday, arrived at the EFCC Office, in Wuse 2, Abuja, in a customised blue Tee-Shirt with the inscription, “EFCC I’m here”.
He was accompanied by his Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode.
As he was going into custody, Fayose told Reporters that: “Nobody should be afraid of the EFCC, especially when you have nothing to hide. I have remained courageous for Nigerians, and I will always be with Nigerians.”
He was quoted as telling detectives that he needed to rest, having worked hard for four years.
He also reportedly told his interrogators: “I deny all the allegations, take me to court.”
Sources stated that Fayose would respond to issues raised by three teams of Investigators.
A source added: “He made a statement where he denied all the allegations, and asked the Commission to take him to court.
“So far, he has not responded to how he came about N1.3 billion and $5.377 million from ONSA. He has more issues to clarify; we are going to detain him.”
The source added: “There are three teams handling the allegations against the former Governor. There is a special team managing his suspended trial, because he had immunity as a Governor; a separate team for the N4.685 billion ONSA fraud, and the third panel probes his just completed tenure.
“Definitely, we are going to detain Fayose, because he has a lot of issues to clarify.”
The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, merely disclosed that: “The ex-Governor is undergoing interrogation.”
Speaking before Fayose entered the EFCC Office, Governor Wike said: “You can see that our brother has come to see the EFCC. He wrote a letter to the EFCC that he will submit himself on the 16th of October. He is going in hale and hearty; I believe the EFCC should know.
“So, let Nigerians know that he came by himself to the EFCC, without anybody harassing him, so that is why I brought him here.”
Fani-Kayode said: “We came to stand with our friend. He is going in hale and hearty; we trust God he will come out this way.”
His Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, speaking, stated that Nigerians are “not in the Hobbesian state, which was brutish.” Adding that: “This is a country governed by law, and not the rule of the thumb. There should be respect for the Constitution”, the SAN said. .
